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"No Federalisation is Coming to Turkey" - Erdogan

April 14th, 2017 - Fort Russ News -

- Breakingnews.sy - - translated by Samer Hussein

Two days before the referendum that could result in a significant extension of presidential powers, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, head of the Turkish regime, denied the rumours of allegedly trying to turn Turkey into a federated state.

"We in the AKP are one of the biggest advocates of central government in Turkey and we will remain so in the future. Our agenda does not include federalisation of Turkey and never will”, Erdogan was heard saying while addressing his supporters at a rally in Konya.

Erdogan's remarks mainly come as a response to the statement, previously made by Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Turkish ultra-nationalist party MHP. The latter accused Erdogan of intending to introduce federalism in Turkey. Already now some opposition circles expressed concern over the referendum as they fear that transition to the presidential system might allow the creation of federative units within Turkey, especially in the areas inhabited by Kurds. According to some, such move could “threaten the unity of the country.”

Through Sunday’s constitutional referendum, Erdogan wants to assure himself absolute power in the country. If referendum succeeds, it would allow Erdogan to appoint ministers and take control over state institutions.